You can treat most minor or first-degree burns at home with remedies such as cool water, cool compresses, and aloe vera. Medical treatments may be necessary for other burns.

Burns are categorized by their severity. A first-degree burn is the least severe because it only affects the outer layer of skin. It usually only causes mild pain and other symptoms that you can usually manage with home remedies.

Second-degree burns affect deeper layers of the skin and cause blisters and wet, shiny skin. They may require medical treatment so it is best to seek medical advice.

Third-degree burns involve damage to all layers of the skin, while fourth-degree burns may involve the joints and bones. Third- and fourth-degree burns are considered medical emergencies and require treatment in a hospital.

Read on to learn about home remedies for minor burns, as well as what to avoid.

The first thing you should do when you get a minor burn is run cool (not cold) water over the burn area.

Run the cool water over the burn area for about 20 minutes.

Placing a cool compress or clean wet cloth over the burn area can help relieve pain and swelling.

You can apply the compress in 10-minute intervals. Try not to use excessively cold compresses because they may irritate the burn more.

Applying aloe vera gel can help soothe a burn. It may also encourage healing.

Apply a layer of pure aloe vera gel from the leaf of an aloe vera plant directly to the affected area. If you buy aloe vera in a store, make sure it contains a high percentage of aloe vera. Avoid products that have additives, especially coloring and perfumes.

Medical-grade honey may help treat a minor burn, particularly if there is an infection. It is antimicrobial, which means that it helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Speak with a pharmacist about medical-grade honey. Avoid using regular honey for treating burns, as this may not be as safe or effective as medical-grade honey.

Do your best to avoid exposing the burn to direct sunlight. The burned skin will be very sensitive to the sun.

Keep it covered with clothing, and apply sunscreen with SFP 30 or higher.

If blisters develop, do not pop them. Bursting a blister yourself can lead to infection.

Keeping the area covered with a sterile bandage can help protect the area and reduce the risk of blisters popping.

If the blister causes pain, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Be sure to read the label for the correct dosage.

Things to avoid when treating a burn include:

  • ice or iced water
  • butter and other greasy products
  • toothpaste
  • adhesive bandages
  • scented products

It’s important to recognize when a burn is treatable at home and when you need to seek medical care. You should seek help from a doctor if:

  • it is a chemical or electrical burn
  • a burn affects an area larger than your hand
  • the burn affects the face, neck, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
  • the individual is under the age of 10 years
  • the individual has a condition such as:
  • the individual has a weakened immune system, such as due to HIV or chemotherapy
  • there are symptoms of shock, such as:
    • sweating
    • cold, clammy skin
    • rapid, shallow breathing
    • dizziness
    • weakness
    • altered level of consciousness
  • there is any concern of smoke inhalation

You should never treat third-degree and fourth-degree burns at home. They carry the risk of serious complications, including infections, blood loss, and shock

More severe symptoms of burns that require medical treatment include:

  • waxy, white-colored skin
  • char
  • dark brown color
  • raised and leathery texture

Burns caused by an electrical shock require immediate medical treatment. These burns often reach layers under the skin and can even cause damage to internal tissues. The internal damage may be worse than you expect. Don’t take your chances. Call 911 right away.

Home remedies for minor burns include cool water and cool compresses, aloe vera, and medical-grade honey. Avoiding popping the blisters, protecting the skin from the sun, and taking pain relief medication may also help.

Avoid applying ice or iced water to the area. It is also best to avoid scented or greasy products. Do not apply toothpaste or adhesive bandages to the burn.

Seek medical help if the burn covers an area larger than your hand. You should also seek medical advice if the burn is on the face, neck, joints, hands, feet or genitals.

Medical attention for a burn is also necessary for children under the age of 10 years, people with weakened immune systems, and those with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and liver disease.

Seek immediate medical help for third-degree burns, fourth-degree burns, and electric shock.